Don't Waste Time

This weekend I spent time with my parents and with other family members. Since I live several hundred miles away from them, I don't get to do that often. It was a wonderful time to love and laughter - one I'm so glad I didn't miss. We often take for granted that we will have time later for important things, so we work like crazy to obtain stuff. And how much of that stuff do we really need? 

Must we have a high-end car when a more modest one will get us from point A to point B? Do we have to purchase the most expensive shoes because everyone else is doing it? Who are we trying to impress? Do they really care? What does any of that say about who we are? Our character? Does seeing someone with a lot of stuff make them a better person or more important? It doesn't. It just means they have more stuff. Don't get me wrong. It is right that we work and that we do our best (Ecc 9:10). There is nothing wrong with having some comforts in life. They should just have their place. They should not prevent us from being in a position to help and love others. 

And what are we missing out on while we're obtaining all the stuff? Family time and vacations? Birthdays? Holidays? Just plain fun? And that's okay, until tragedy strikes and it will strike all of us. Recently, I had six friends lose loved ones, several of them were unexpected. I can only imagine how they all wish for more time with those they loved. I am determined to live in the here and now and consider that my life is like a vapor - here now and possibly gone tomorrow (Jam 4:14-16). There are no guarantees when it comes to time (Psa 39:4-5). Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. 

I've often said I don't live to work, but I work to live. My work is not who I am, it is one of the things I do. Life on earth is exceptionally short (out of all eternity, we get up to 80-90 years at best). I want to live every part of my life. I don't want to leave any part of it wasted. I want to travel while I'm young and well enough to enjoy it and learn from the people and cultures I contact. I want to try new things and develop new skills along the way. I want to give God my best and that goes way beyond my comfort (Eph 5:15-17). 

I don't know your story or what your plans are for the future, but I recommend you not put off the important things. You don't know how much time you have and you don't know how much time those around you have. Don't squander it. You will only regret it.